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Reynolds orders Iowa wholesaler to pull Russian liquor brands

contributed photo A display of Russian Standard Vodka At The Dec Rooftop Lounge + Bar on May 22, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.

Iowa will no longer offer the wholesale purchase of Russian-produced liquor, part a new measure by Gov. Kim Reynolds to show solidarity to Ukraine.

Iowa’s Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) controls the wholesale of liquor in the state, determining which brands to sell to retailers, bars and restaurants. Under Reynolds’ order, Russian-produced brands will no longer be available to order.

A Monday news release from the governor’s office said the move is meant “to further demonstrate (Iowa’s) solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Putin’s tyranny.”

Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Since then, governors in Utah, New Hampshire, Ohio and Pennsylvania have also pulled Russian vodka and other liquors from the shelf.

Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls commended Reynolds’ decision to halt the sale of Russian liquor.

“That’s absolutely the right call … I’ll be drinking Tito’s,” Wahls, D-Coralville, told reporters Monday morning.

Reynolds also called on Iowa Sister States to end its relationship with Stavrapol Krai, a district in Southern Russia, and focus instead on the state’s partnership with Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine.

What liquor brands will be affected by the order?

The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division identified 17 Russian brands that will no longer be available for purchase in Iowa.

• Russian Standard Original Vodka

• Russian Standard Platinum Vodka

• Hammer + Sickle Vodka

• Russian Standard Imperia Vodka

• Zu Bison Grass Vodka

• Quadro Vodka

• Russian Standard Gold Vodka

• Green Mark Vodka

• Gancia Fernet Liquer

• DeLuze Cognac VSOP

• Jewel Of Russia Classic

• Jewel Of Russia Ultra

• Beluga Noble Vodka

• Beluga Gold Line Vodka

• Beluga TransAtlantic Racing Vodka

• Zyr Vodka

• Mamont Vodka

ABD spokesperson Jake Holmes said bars, restaurants and retailers are allowed to sell their existing stock of the liquors.

Reynolds orders Iowa wholesaler to pull Russian liquor brands

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